News From THE BIRD'S Nest: August 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013

FIRST YEAR IN THE BOOKS

The end of May has also brought the end of my first year of teaching. It has been a very difficult year. I have worked harder than I ever thought I would, been more exhausted than I ever thought I could be, and it has also been more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. I loved going to school each day. I love those kiddos that were in my class and I love the people that I worked with. For my own memory here are a few pictures.

It's official. I'm a teacher.

August 2012.
My classroom is ready for 28 cute little 2nd graders.

Very first apple for the teacher

Melt my heart!
Learning about heroes and who would have thought that some students would say I was a hero. I think they are pretty great, too!

Valentine's Day.
Feeling the 2nd grade love.

Made this for me while I was away graduating.
So sweet!

Teacher Appreciation Week.
Feeling spoiled. These kids and their parents were so kind to me. Flowers and enough coke and chocolate to last me for awhile.

My sweet 2nd grade team teachers gave me these "merit badges" at the end of the year faculty party.

It was hard to say good bye to those two wonderful women that helped me so much throughout the year. I will miss them!

MAY

I'D RATHER BE PLAYING SOCCER
At times it doesn't feel like we get a break. S and T both finished their seasons off early but Z's team played most of the month. Then tryouts for next year were in the middle of the month so there was no time to relax. Practices will start up soon, I'm sure. Soccer seems to run our lives some times!

A corner kick.

S's team- SF Charge

A goal kick.

T is the Keeper on his team- U11 Shooters

A very rainy game!

Going for the header.

Z is a great passer and assist man.

Pre-game huddle.

Everyone has such colorful cleats.

Z's team-U14 Shooters

2nd place in D6 state league.

2ND GRADE GRADUATION

S had a really good school year. His teacher, Mrs. Gardner, was great and he had fun classmates. S did a great job with reading and math. He was at the top of his class in math facts. He passed off all addition and subtraction and even started some multiplication. He also got 100% on all of his spelling tests- what a smarty! He really loves school. Of course his favorite part of school is recess but he likes everything else, too.

Singing during the graduation program

S had a small speaking part- he did awesome!

Recognized for all of his accomplishments- we are proud of him!

BASEBALL SEASON

Of course soccer is the first love around here, but S and T also really enjoy playing baseball. T was number 7 on the Reds and S played on the Indians.

J and I did our best to coach S's team again. Busy time but a lot of fun!

Hey batter batter...

Some base running

Both boys got the chance to play 1st base.

Z - #1 - The Oldest

Z is happy to be in junior high. He is enjoying school and all of the fun things that come with it. He doesn't like that the work is more difficult but he is working really hard and doing well. He is still a huge sports fan like his dad and loves to cheer on BYU. His favorite sport is soccer and he enjoys playing throughout the year, both outdoor and indoor. Z likes to spend his free time on the computer on facebook or some other game. He also likes to play video games and watch TV. His newest hobby is taking care of his fish tank. He enjoys going to mutual activites and scouts and he is working hard at earning merit badges. He always has some kind of plan in his mind and almost every day he updates me on his newest idea. The latest plan is that he is going to save up all of his money to buy an ipod. I think he can do it. Every night he tells me "good night" and "I love you". He never forgets- I love that!

T - #2 - The Middle Child

T is such a happy kid. He gets excited easily and loves to be a part of everything. He loves his soccer team and does a great job as their goalie. He loves to go to scouts. He enjoys school and really likes his class and his teacher. He's doing a great job in 4th grade. Of course, video games and TV are still his favorite free time activities, but he also enjoys reading and will often stay up late reading whatever he can find. We are reading the Harry Potter series together now. His favorite foods are pizza, tacos, and hamburgers (with lots of ketchup), and of course he loves chocolate. He likes to be goofy but he is also learning to be responsible. Some days he makes me laugh out loud and every day he makes me smile - I love that!

S - #3 - The Baby

My baby does not like to be called the baby anymore but I just tell him that he'll always be my baby. This kid is such a social child. He loves to play with friends and would every day if he could. He is enjoying 1st grade and has become a great reader. S still deals with food allergies but it doesn't get him down. He has a positive attitude and is always willing to share and help. He is excited to be old enough to be part of team sports and has loved playing soccer and t-ball. He is looking forward to basketball this winter. He loves his big brothers and is happy to follow them or do whatever they are doing. His favorite foods are hamburgers, tacos and poptarts. He likes to color, play games, read and do puzzles. Every day he asks me how my day is going and every day he gives me a hug - I love that!